At this winter’s Association of Texas Photography Instructors conference
at the University of Texas at Arlington, some 300 photography students,
photojournalists and artists alike, spent three days competing in
contests and attending classes on everything from making a cyanotype to
shooting sports. As it has been for the last 25 years, it was one of the
best educational experiences out there for the instructors and students
alike.

.........But the best learning took place when we took the time to engage in critiquing
the image. Photographers learn by having their images critiqued,
engaging in a two-way discussion about the merits of the image. At its
best, critiquing involves multiple levels, discussing the technical
quality (focus, lighting (quality, quantity and direction) use of
appropriate exposure (ISO, aperture and shutter speed), depth of field),
composition (rule of thirds, framing, repetition of shapes and the
like), as well as the meaning inherent in the image. We might even
discuss the caption information if a caption was required. While a
critique might take place one-on-one, it’s a discussion, a discussion in
which both parties can learning something.